Ard Roisin well on top at odds of 40/1

Ard Roisin scored a 40/1 success when taking the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Academy Hurdle at Fairyhouse this afternoon.

Ridden by John Shinnick for trainer Lorna Fowler, the Steve Killalea-owned three-year-old led from the second hurdle and asserted from two out to beat Jessica Harrington's 7/2 chance Lakeshore by an easy nine and a half lengths, with the Tom Cooper-trained 15/2 shot Irish Fusilier half a length away in third place.

The big disappointment of the race was 7/4 favourite Quatre Saison who was always at the rear and dropped away before the third last hurdle, finishing a tailed off 12th.

“I wouldn't say it was expected but we knew she had ability, without question,” said Fowler.

“I haven't trained her hard because she's a three-year-old. Today was very much about the start and seeing where it went.

“I knew the ability was there but I didn't think she'd do that; I'll take it every day!”

The winner cost just €5,000 as a yearling and Fowler added, “I asked the owner Steve what did he like about here when he bought her and he said he just liked the look in her eye.

“She's such a professional. She's one of these horses that wastes no energy or time on anything but her racing.

“Her jumping has just been unreal and that was really nice.

“I wasn't worried about her leading, we said we'd do that if there is no pace because she is quite free so the best thing to do was let her on. There was no point in wrestling her.

“I don't know what we do now, we won't hurry it and take it easy. She's a three-year-old and I think you have to take your time with them whatever you do.

“We'll have a good think about it and then decide.”

Additional reporting from Gary Carson